afternoon teas
Late-day socials
Afternoon teas are light meals served in the late afternoon, traditionally featuring tea, small sandwiches, scones, and pastries.
The custom originated in 19th-century Britain as a bridge between lunch and a late dinner.
Today, afternoon tea often refers to an elegant social occasion at hotels or tearooms: We booked afternoon tea at the Ritz for her birthday.
- sandwichesFilled bread slices
- cucumber sandwichesLight tea-party fare
- teacupsSmall handled drinking vessels
- bone chinaCalcium-ash ceramic ware
- pastriesSweet layered confections
tiered trays · scones · entertaining · teapots · tea service · jam · finger sandwiches · clotted cream · cream tea · teatimes · hospitality · muffins · tea rooms · Earl Grey · meals · high tea · buffets · Victorian era
afternoon teasbreakfasts
First meals of day
dinners · midnight snacks · brunches · suppers · breakfast meetings
afternoon teascoffee breaks
Brief work intermissions
happy hours · cocktail hours · wine tastings · beer gardens · bar crawls